Higginbotham a Wallaby through 2015

Sat 4 May 2013, 3:55 PM AEST

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Looking to the future ... Scott Higginbotham.

Getty Images: Cameron Spencer, File Photo

Wallabies backrower Scott Higginbotham has extended his Australian Rugby Union deal until after the 2015 World Cup and is hoping a series triumph against the British and Irish Lions this year will be the start of a string of successes.

The 26-year-old has played mainly as blindside flanker in his 23 internationals since his debut in the 59-16 hammering of France in Paris in 2010 but can also play at number eight.

Higginbotham played 10 of 15 Wallabies Tests last year and thought the crippling injury toll that forced coach Robbie Deans to blood so many players in 2012 would pay dividends against the Lions in June and July.

"Guys that have gained a bit of Test experience are stepping up, the competition for places is as tight as I've ever seen it," Higginbotham said.

"That's a great thing for Australian Rugby, both for the Lions series, but also looking ahead. That was a big reason for staying. We are in a position where the Wallabies are only going to get better.

"Winning the Tri Nations in 2011 was special but I'd like to win a series over the Lions, get my hands on the Rugby Championship, the Bledisloe Cup and the World Cup if possible, before I look at doing something else."

Higginbotham has put in a string of stand-out performances for the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby since making the switch from the Queensland Reds this season, showcasing his mobility with ball in hand and even, in one case, his footballing skills.

Deans said this week he thought replacing injured Welshman Gareth Delve as captain of the Rebels had been good for Higginbotham.

"Scotty's responding really well to captaincy," the New Zealander said.

"You can't ask something of people around you if you are not up for it yourself.

"That's brought a real consistency to his approach to the game and it's probably stimulated him to be fair.